San Diego County health officials have slapped an advisory on the Tourmaline drain outlet (station FM-030), warning that water contact at Tourmaline Surf Park may be unsafe until new test results clear it. The alert targets the stretch of surf right around the drain and is aimed at swimmers, surfers and anyone else who normally drops in on that piece of coastline.
The county’s SD County Beach Info feed on X flagged the change with a status update reading, "Beach Status Change, Effective 07/08/2026 at 16:47 - Advisory issued for FM-030 Tourmaline Drain Outlet." SD County Beach Info on X.
Beach Status Change, Effective 07/08/2026 at 16:47 - Advisory issued for FM-030 Tourmaline Drain Outlet.
— SD County Beach Info (@SDBeachH2O) July 9, 2026
For more information visit https://t.co/fvWGWvCAfb
What the advisory means
An advisory like this usually means routine sampling or field checks suggest bacteria levels may be above public health thresholds, even if officials are still waiting on full lab confirmation. During that window, the county posts signs on the sand and pushes online notices while follow-up tests are run. The State Water Resources Control Board outlines how counties handle resampling, signage and reopening to protect beachgoers.
Tourmaline monitoring and past postings
FM-030 is the official monitoring station for the Tourmaline drain outlet in state and county records, and historical data show it has been posted before when runoff or sewage-related issues pushed bacteria levels higher. Local reporting and county archives have followed similar advisories at nearby beaches after heavy rain or spill events, and Water Quality Portal records document past postings at this specific site.
How to stay safe and where to check
For now, beachgoers are advised to stay out of the surf near the Tourmaline drain outlet while the advisory is active and to keep kids and pets out of that water as well. The county runs a recorded hotline with current beach status at 619-338-2073 and keeps its online Beach Info dashboard updated with maps, sampling details and advisory changes. County Beach Info is the main clearinghouse for those updates, and local coverage has spelled out how rain and sewage spills tend to trigger similar advisories and closures.
We will keep an eye on county postings and resampling results and report when the advisory is lifted. For the most up-to-date status before you paddle out or wade in, check the county dashboard or the SD County Beach Info feed.
